What is this? Carvings on stock

[Jack7171]

Hi, new member here,,,I recently picked up this 1842 Springfield from the hills of Pennsylvania,,,no story, no info,,,but it has these carvings in the stock. Has anyone ever seen them anywhere before? Looks like an anchor with snake,, and star,,, Any help would be much appreciated,,,,and maybe it's nothing at all! Thx, jack

 

[Red Raider]

I am sure someone will be around to help you soon. Just my guess, I would say the one looks like the Naval chain and anchor while the other looks like a modified version of a Star of David. @ucvrelics may have a better idea. Good luck on your quest and it looks like an amazing piece. Congrats.

 

[Si Klegg]

I remember reading somewhere that some soldiers carved the name of their sweetheart on the stock just where it would touch their cheek when they were aiming and firing, so as to remind them of better times and home at the most trying of times.

 

[Dave DuBrucq]

These appear to be hand carved. I agree with Red, one is obviously an anchor and chain, the other a six pointed star. If I had to guess, I would say these were made by the owner, but I am not an expert. Some of our more knowledgeable members should be able to help you.

Welcome to the group!

 

[Package4]

Hi, new member here,,,I recently picked up this 1842 Springfield from the hills of Pennsylvania,,,no story, no info,,,but it has these carvings in the stock. Has anyone ever seen them anywhere before? Looks like an anchor with snake,, and star,,, Any help would be much appreciated,,,,and maybe it's nothing at all! Thx, jackView attachment 392755

View attachment 392754

Fouled anchor and an 8th Corps symbol.......

 

[Jack7171]

Fouled anchor and an 8th Corps symbol.......

Sure does look a fouled anchor and an 8th Corp badge!

 

[Package4]

Welcome from Maryland!

 

[Jack7171]

Welcome from Maryland!

Thx!

 

[Jack7171]

I remember reading somewhere that some soldiers carved the name of their sweetheart on the stock just where it would touch their cheek when they were aiming and firing, so as to remind them of better times and home at the most trying of times.

It's funny you said that,, my Enfield has a name scratched in near the cheek,, i wonder if that's true

 

[captaindrew]

Don't you wish it could talk? Nice find.

 

[Jack7171]

Don't you wish it could talk? Nice find.

I bet it could tell some great stories,, thx

 

[rebracer]

Photos of the rest of it Sir?

 

[captaindrew]

I bet it could tell some great stories,, thx

I'm sure there's a cool story behind the carvings unfortunately will probably never be told but sure makes for a cool piece, congrats.

 

[Jack7171]

I'm sure there's a cool story behind the carvings unfortunately will probably never be told but sure makes for a cool piece, congrats.

Thx,, I know,,I'm always leery about stories anyway,, never knowing if they are true,, or jazzed up to hike up the price,,and the best advice I've gotten as a new collector, was "unless it can proved,,buy the item, not the story". Sad part is,,these pieces, no matter how insignificant, all play a part in somebodies story,,,that we'll probably never get to hear.

 

[Jack7171]

Photos of the rest of it Sir?

Yep

 

[rebracer]

Very nice, you should be proud.

 

[Jack7171]

Very nice, you should be proud.

Thank you

 

[Dave DuBrucq]

YepView attachment 392806

That is a great piece. Congrats, you can be proud of this!

 

[UCVRelics]

Nice musket. The carving could be just about anything to include being a Jewish sailor

 

[Mrs. V]

Nice. FIL and Uncle were in the Navy..so def. anchor there. Check out Army of the Potomac my son says..